Rising Concern Over U.S. Deaths Linked to Brazilian Butt Lifts in Dominican Republic, CDC Indicates

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an alarming report pointing to an upward trend in fatalities related to cosmetic surgery among Americans in the Dominican Republic. A significant focus of this trend is the Brazilian butt lift procedure.

Since 2009, there has been a total of 93 reported deaths, with a notable escalation in recent times. This increase is prominently linked to Brazilian butt lift surgeries. The CDC’s latest report, published on Thursday, provides an in-depth examination of these fatalities. Key findings reveal that many deaths resulted from complications such as fat embolism or blood clots migrating to the lungs or bloodstream. These complications were often exacerbated by pre-existing medical conditions and the undertaking of multiple surgeries concurrently. The report underscores the critical need for enhanced surgical methods and more thorough preoperative evaluations.

The allure of medical tourism in the Dominican Republic remains high, yet U.S. health authorities are advising individuals considering such procedures to be fully aware of the details involved. This includes understanding the procedure they are considering, verifying the credentials of the surgeons, and assessing the standards of the medical facilities in question. Additionally, the CDC has referenced a separate report detailing instances of infection at a cosmetic surgery center in Florida, illustrating that such risks are not confined to international settings.

The study concludes with a strong call for increased vigilance and the improvement of medical procedures to lower the risks inherent in cosmetic surgeries, especially those sought in the context of medical tourism.

Details of the complete report can be found in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report published by the CDC.